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Writer's pictureS. A. Crow

In the Footsteps of Steel: S.A. Crow's Tribute to Danielle Steel in 'Wanderlust


Authors who Inspire me series.

Today we will be discussing another author who inspired me become the author I am today. You can find the other articles in this series:


I’m an indie LGBTQ+ author and publication company owner. I write romance suspense as S. A. Crow and urban fantasy noir mystery under the pen name Ann Crow. Reading and storytelling have always been a huge part of my life from an early age. Both sides of my family were readers and not only did they read to me but they let me pick out my reading material. My father was a biographic and sci-fi reader, where my mother and grandmother often read romance novels. So, it’s no surprise that I picked up romance novels at an early age. 


If you've ever glanced at the romance section in a bookstore, chances are you've come across Danielle Steel's name due to the large number of titles she has written. Sadly, I’ve only read one novel of her’s but it’s stuck with me long after that initial read.



Wanderlust is the story of Audrey Driscoll. Orphaned young, Audrey has grown up caring for her eccentric millionaire grandfather and her demanding younger sister, Annabelle, who assume she will always be there for them. Sheltered yet restless, responsible beyond her years yet hungering for experience, Audrey is hopelessly bound until she herself makes the daring decision to leave. As the 1930s unfold, alone, camera in hand, she will shock friends and outrage family as she plunges headlong into the wider world.


Crossing the Atlantic aboard the luxurious Queen Mary, Audrey meets James and Violet Hawthorne, who will draw her into a sophisticated circle of artists and expatriates. And it is they who will introduce her to Charles Parker-Scott, in who Audrey will come to recognize a twin soul, a man propelled by relentless curiosity and driven by conflicting needs for intimacy and independence. Together they will spend an exquisite summer at Cap d'Antibes, then board the Orient Express on an adventure that will carry them to a remote outpost in China. But at the farthest reaches of this journey Aubrey must choose again. Japan has attacked China. Charles knows he must return to Europe at once. But Audrey becomes involved with a besieged orphanage and decides to remain in China without Charles, caring for the abandoned children until help arrives.


In time Audrey will return to America with a daughter of her own. While she must come home to San Francisco to confront a world irrevocably changed by time, she finds she cannot stay. From prewar Germany to London during the Blitz, from a wrenching reunion with Charles to a war zone in North Africa, again and again she must choose between the dictates of her conscience and the yearnings of her heart. For Audrey Driscoll and the men and women whose lives touch hers, wanderlust is the inescapable element. Born at a time when women were expected to stay close to home and fulfill traditional roles, Audrey is compelled to follow the thread of events that will destroy the complacency of the past and shape the future. From Europe to China, from San Francisco to North Africa, she is irresistibly drawn into a man's world of conflict, discovery, and danger.


Danielle Steel: A Literary Influence

One of the most prolific and widely read authors of contemporary literature, with a career that spans several decades. Her first novel, “Going Home,” published in 1973, marks the beginning of a remarkable career that includes over 100 novels. Steel’s popularity is not only tied to the sheer volume of titles but her stories enduring and widespread appeal across diverse audiences.

Steel's writing style is characterized by its accessibility, emotional depth, and immersive storytelling. She is known for crafting compelling narratives that explore themes of love, family, resilience, and the human spirit. Through her keen insight into the complexities of human relationships, Steel has captured the hearts of millions of readers around the world.

Her novels have been translated into numerous languages and adapted into various forms of media, like television movies and miniseries.

"Now and Forever" (2001) - Based on the novel of the same name, this TV movie follows the story of a woman who struggles to find love and happiness amidst family conflicts and personal challenges.


"Jewels" (1992) - Adapted from the novel "Jewels," this miniseries spans generations and continents, chronicling the lives of a family of Russian aristocrats and their descendants.


"Daddy" (1991) - This TV movie is based on the novel "Daddy," exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption as a woman navigates the complexities of family relationships.


"Fine Things" (1990) - Adapted from the novel "Fine Things," this TV movie follows the journey of a successful businessman and his quest for love and happiness.


"Kaleidoscope" (1990) - Based on the novel "Kaleidoscope," this TV movie tells the story of three sisters who face adversity and find strength in each other as they navigate life's challenges.


"Changes" (1991) - This TV movie is based on the novel "Changes," exploring the intertwined lives of three women as they confront love, loss, and new beginnings.


"Zoya" (1995) - Adapted from the novel "Zoya," this miniseries follows the journey of a young Russian woman who escapes revolution and finds love and adventure in America.


"Secrets" (1992) - This TV movie is based on the novel "Secrets," delving into the lives of four women who harbor dark secrets that threaten to unravel their lives.


"Full Circle" (1996) - Adapted from the novel "Full Circle," this miniseries explores the intertwined lives of a group of friends as they navigate love, loss, and friendship over the years.


"Palomino" (1991) - Based on the novel "Palomino," this TV movie tells the story of a woman who finds passion and romance with a mysterious horse trainer.


These adaptations showcase the breadth and depth of Danielle Steel's storytelling, captivating audiences with their poignant themes, rich characters, and timeless appeal.

Beyond her literary contributions, Steel's philanthropic efforts are also noteworthy. She has been actively involved in charitable work, particularly in the areas of mental health, homelessness, and education, demonstrating a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.


In summary, Danielle Steel's prolific career and enduring popularity have cemented her status as a literary icon. Through her compelling storytelling and relatable characters, she has left an indelible mark on the literary world, inspiring generations of readers and writers alike.


Its accessibility, emotional depth, and ability to resonate with a wide audience marked Danielle Steel's writing style. Like many other writers, I find inspiration in Steel's approach to storytelling, as well as in the themes and motifs that recur throughout her work.


Emotional Resonance: One of the most striking aspects of Steel's writing is her ability to evoke powerful emotions in her readers. Whether it's love, loss, triumph, or heartbreak, Steel has a knack for tapping into the human experience and portraying it in a way that feels authentic and relatable. I also admire Steel's skill in crafting stories that resonate on an emotional level, aiming to infuse my own writing with similar depth and resonance.


Strong Characterization: Steel is known for creating memorable characters who feel like real people, with complex personalities, hopes, and flaws. From resilient heroines to charismatic protagonists, her characters often undergo personal growth and transformation throughout the course of her novels. I appreciate Steel's ability to breathe life into her characters, drawing readers into their journeys and making them care deeply about their fates.


Themes of Love and Resilience: Love is a central theme in much of Steel's work, explored in all its forms – romantic love, familial love, and the bonds of friendship. Alongside love, resilience is another recurring motif in her novels, as characters overcome adversity, heartache, and challenges to find happiness and fulfillment. S.A. Crow is drawn to these themes of love and resilience, finding inspiration in Steel's portrayal of the human capacity for love and the strength to endure in the face of hardship.


Rich Settings and Atmosphere: Steel's novels often span diverse settings, from bustling cities to idyllic countryside retreats, each imbued with vivid detail and atmosphere. Whether it's a glamorous society party or a quiet moment of reflection by the sea, Steel's descriptive prose brings her settings to life, immersing readers in the world of her stories. S.A. Crow admires Steel's ability to create richly textured settings that serve as the backdrop for her narratives, aiming to emulate this attention to detail in their own writing.


In summary, Danielle Steel's writing style, themes, and recurring motifs resonate deeply with me, inspiring me to craft my own stories that capture the emotional depth, compelling characters, and timeless themes.


Our exploration into the influences that shape an author's journey, the resonance of Danielle Steel's impact on my writing becomes vividly apparent. Through Steel's ability to weave emotional depth, strong characterization, themes of love and resilience, and rich settings into her stories, she has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. 













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